Artists pleads for a sponsor
JOBURG - Mokgomme pleads for donation to make his dream a reality.
Bez Valley resident, Ramotoana Richard Mokgomme (27) mentors young aspiring artists from Malvern and Bez Valley.
Even though the 27-year-old is unemployed, he is a hero to many youngsters in the community who also dream of a career in the arts.
Mokgomme said the art industry is a tough one and he doesn’t earn a salary.
“My parents help me pay rent and taxi fare. I know how difficult it is to be an artist but I have a passion for it. I do not want children to give up on art due to a lack of finance,” he said.
Mokgomme describes himself as a self-taught artist.
“It started at the age of five – while I was playing with my peers. We would draw pictures in the soil,” he said.
He won his first exhibition in visual art at Kgobokanang Primary School in Limpopo in 2002. Even though he came from an underprivileged family, Mokgomme did not allow his dream to fade.
“I came to Johannesburg in 2009 to continue doing arts. Last year I found an art school in Newtown and I started attending Saturday classes while I was working at Eastgate,” he said.
Earlier this year he left his job and enrolled at the art school on a full-time basis.
“In February, I exhibited with Art Afrique Gallery in Maboneng which was my second exhibition. In April I was featured at Mpho Malatsi solo exhibition [called I’m an African] in Newtown. I am looking for sponsors that can help me with art materials – I am living in Bez Valley without any income,” he said.
Mokgomme mentors youngsters and meets with them once a week and teaches them about art.
“At the beginning of this month, I participated in a new national art competition, Sasol Signature and I am mentoring children from Alexander who is going to have an art exhibition in October, “ he said.
He said he hopes to communicate with the world through his art.
“After getting sponsors, I want to be able to continue finishing my art studies, hold exhibitions and help children pursue art as it is something that I have realised most children have a talent for.
“As artists, we often feel so discouraged as there are no sponsors to help us pursue art as a career. My dream is to get a sponsor. I will be able to help children,” he said.
Mokgomme said he wants to see his art works sold at galleries.
Contact Mokgomme on 073 085 9664.
#YourStory
https://joburgeastexpress.co.za/71422/greater-business-vision-for-tevin-at-queens-high/
